Easy Turkey Meatballs – I Heart Naptime

Easy Baked Turkey Meatballs

Using ground turkey in place of ground beef helps lean out these turkey meatballs, while simple seasonings keep them flavorful, moist and delicious.

They are a great healthy alternative just like healthy turkey chili and turkey meatloaf and baking the turkey meatball recipe means most of the work to make them is hands-off!

When it comes to healthy ground turkey recipes that are low carb plus high in protein, this recipe is favorite. Swap them for beef meatballs in spaghetti and meatballs for a lighter weeknight dinner that is just as comforting and satisfying!

Ingredient Notes

Find the full printable recipe with measurements below.

• Turkey: I recommend using 93% lean ground turkey, any leaner and your meatballs could be tough and dry.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a brightness to the turkey meatballs. If you have fresh basil on hand that is delicious too.
• Egg and bread crumbs: These help bind the meatballs as well as keep them juicy and moist. Regular or Italian breadcrumbs work better than Panko breadcrumbs which are more coarse in texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a rich flavor while also making the meatballs more moist.
• Seasoning: I use garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to give the turkey meatballs a well-rounded flavor. Use Italian seasoning or oregano for more herbal flavor.

How to Make Turkey Meatballs

Combine ground turkey, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley and seasonings to a bowl and gently stir just until combined. For tender meatballs, do not overmix.

Using a small cookie scoop (or Tablespoon), scoop out the turkey mixture and form into balls. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup or to make them crispier, spray a baking rack with non stick spray and place the meatballs on top.

Bake meatballs at 375°F for 17-20 minutes, or until no longer pink in the middle. Remember to flip halfway through.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Make sure the egg and ground turkey are both cold, it helps the turkey meatball mixture hold its shape.
• Brushing the ground turkey meatballs with olive oil before baking can also add extra moisture.
• Use a meat thermometer to know when these easy turkey meatballs are cooked through. It should read an internal temperature of 160°F.
• Cook in a skillet on the stove. Just add add 1 Tablespoon of oil to your pan and cook over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Follow my easy air fryer meatball recipe to make these in the air fryer, preheat air fryer to 380°F and cook for about 12 minutes.
• Swap ground turkey for ground chicken for chicken meatballs.

Make Ahead, Storing and Freezing

• Meal prep: I love to have ready-to-cook meatballs in the freezer for meal prep! Assemble and scoop onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Flash freeze then store in a freezer safe container for 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and bake as directions.
• Store: These meatballs are a great make ahead option and will keep for about 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Freeze turkey meatballs: Cool completely then transfer to a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Flash freeze, place in a freezer bag, add a freezer label and store in freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw or use from frozen.